Parish Bulletin

This week we welcome seminarian Joe Gill to St. Johns. Many of you met him after the masses here last weekend. Joe is from St. Peters in Libertytown. He has finished a year at Mt. St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg and will going to the North American College in Rome in July to continue his studies. Joe will be here until July working with various ministries. We ask for God’s blessing on him as he pursues his vocation to the priesthood.

We also welcome Kenn de Moll, our new coordinator of Life Teen/Confirmation. We look forward to his ministry here at the parish. Speaking of Life Teen, this past Thursday, a group of young people from St. John’s went to Mexico to do some mission work. They are there now working in an orphanage and helping to build a foundation for a church. Our prayers are with them.

Now, for some other news. As was announced last weekend, I will be moving on from here on July 1^st. I have been named pastor of St. Mary’s in Hagerstown. I want to thank everyone here for being so kind and accepting of me. I really enjoyed being at St. John’s. Fr. Patrick Carrion will be the new administrator after I leave. I know that you will welcome him as you welcomed me.

Msgr. Art continues to rest. He is waiting for the results of a bone marrow test. This should determine what future treatments he will need. He has been able to concelebrate mass. He sits while doing so because he can’t stand the whole time. Our prayers continue to go out for him.

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION … Saturday, June 3

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE! The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least two for each hour: Sundays – 4, 6, 7 & 8 a.m.; and 12,1,3,4,5 & 8 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3, 6 & 8 a.m.; and 2, 4 & 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2 & 7 a.m.; and 2 p.m.; Thursdays – 12, 1 & 2a.m.; and 12, 4 & 11 p.m.; Fridays – 2, 3, 5 & 9 a.m.; and 2, 6 & 9 p.m.; Saturdays – 12, 2, 3 & 10 a.m.; and 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 p.m. Please call the parish office.

Join with the Ladies Sodality to pray the Rosary on the 2^nd Sunday of each month after the 9:15 a.m. Mass, at the statue of the Blessed Mother in the church. Everyone is welcome.

Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.

At 3:00 p.m. in the church before the Blessed Sacrament and ending with Benediction. All are welcome to attend.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Jessica Ann Hulse, daughter of Myhanh and James Hulse; Harrison Scott Lloyd King, son of Maria and William King; Ayden Michael McDermott, son of Katherine and Christopher McDermott; Andrew Benjamin Moxley, son of Stephanie and Michael Moxley; Collin Alan Waxter and Natalie Marie Waxter, son and daughter of Stacy and Richard Waxter; Anna Grace Ritter and Jack Ritter Konstantas, daughter and son of Margaret Konstantas and Mark Ritter.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Baby Troy Michael Wolfe, Michael Stewart, Sr., and Dora Stiles and for their families and friends.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are donated by Margie Conner in loving memory of William G. Conner, Sr.

MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have been sent: Betty Reazin, Nick Alder (2), Esther Sicnoff, Corey Carr Mattison, Clair Schmidt, Thomas Walker (4) Int. of Marje Jones, Richard Myers (2) Shelia McCarty (2), Edward B. Rush, Nancy Clingan (2) Edward & Lillian Swinderman, Int. of Walter Hackett, Int. of Jack & Ann Coster (2), Int. of Sr. Marie Bernadette (2), Int. of Don Brink, Int. of Cecelia Hinkel (3), Louise Brown, Int. for Thanksgiving, Helen Herman, Carroll Gross, Sr., Jean Mayhew, Sheila Baker, Int. of Roby Barnes, Int. of Barbara Zink, Int. of Beth Rappaport, Int. of Lonnie Demuth, Bobby Ayd (2), Int. of Rev. Robert Bozel, Kim Schmit, Eugene Myers (2), John & Anna Reinhert, Charles M. Moses, Lillian Moses, Jane Geipe (2), Int. of Louis Black, Int. of Larry McBee, Catherine McCagh, Terry Knight, Int. of Margie Conner (3), Mr. Kight, Concetta Vento (2), John Williams (2), Kimberly Pettis (2), James Yates, Kevin Doherty, Int. of Jeffrey Beaghan, Lee Owen, Int. of Pat Brink.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $29,645.82. Thank you.

THANK YOU to all parishioners who have made a pledge. Memorial opportunities are still available. Please call the parish office to make, renew or extend your pledge.

LENT MAY BE OVER…but the LENTEN APPEAL is NOT!!

There is STILL time for your donation to count toward our goal! We are $22,000 from our goal - your gift can help us get there! Checks may be made out to the "Cardinal's Lenten Appeal" indicating "St John Church-Westminster" in the memo line so our parish can get credit for your donation. The address is: Cardinal's Lenten Appeal, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4421. Thank for your help and support! Your gift makes a difference for those in need!

There will be a second collection next weekend for the Black and Indian Missions. Thank you for your generosity.

School Calendar

May 29 – School Closed – Memorial Day

May 29- June 3 – Carnival

June 1 – 8^th Grade Awards Ceremony – 7 p.m. in the Church

June 2 – First Friday – Whole school Liturgy – 9:30 a.m.

June 4 - 8^th Grade Graduation at 1:00 p.m. in the Church

June 6 - Last Day of Kindergarten

June 7 – 1 p.m. dismissal

June 8 – Whole school Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. Last day of school!

School Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m. Parish Center

GROCERY CERTIFICATES PROGRAM: Please support the school by purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscov’s, and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved, but the school makes 5% from all sales. Cards are available in the school office.

INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales. Shop at www.innisbrook.com. Our school ID is # 122169.

why catholic? You have probably seen articles in The Catholic Review about an exciting adult faith formation program entitled “Why Catholic?” Using the four parts of the Catechism, small groups will meet regularly in 6-week sessions to draw on this rich resource. Cardinal Keeler has asked every parish in the Archdiocese to implement the program, and our parish plans to begin the first session in January of 2007. Watch for future bulletin updates with more specifics about the program.

FACILITATORS NEEDED: We are still looking for Facilitators for the upcoming Why Catholic Program. If you are interested contact Paul Gallagher. Training will be provided.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL registration forms are at the doors of the church. We still need two teachers. Call the Religious Ed office for more details.

REGISTRATION FORMS for next year Religious Education classes have been mailed. For questions call Religious Ed Office.

REMINDER TO PARENTS: For those parents who still wish to register their child(ren) for the human sexuality classes you may choose which week will work best for your family (June 19-23 OR July 17-21). The sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Call the Religious Ed Office by June 2^nd to register.

NEW YOUTH MINISTER: We would like to welcome Kenn de Moll as our new Coordinator of High School Youth Ministry and Confirmation. Kenn just graduated from Dickinson College and has been a core member for Life Teen since graduating high school. Kenn’s first day will be June 1^st, and his email is kdemoll@sjwest.org.

STEUBENVILLE: PAYMENTS: Everyone attending the Steubenville Conference on July 7-9 must attend one of our teen/parent meetings, which will be held after the 6:00 p.m. Mass on June 11^th and June 25^th in the cafeteria. You only need to attend one of these meetings. New this year--You will not get a Steubenville CD if you don’t attend one of the sessions.

Sun., May 28: Memorial Day Weekend: There will be no Life Night this weekend. Enjoy the time with your family!

Sun., June 4: Life Night WATER OLYMPICS! That’s right, it’s time to have some outdoor fun, and this is our annual summer kickoff! We’re asking everyone to dress appropriately for Mass and bring a change of clothes for the Life Night activities.

MISSION TRIP: Over Memorial Day weekend, Life Teen will be taking a small group to Guerrero, Mexico on a Mission trip. Our plan is to learn about the area and the people’s needs, so that we can begin planning to take a much larger group next summer. Please keep us in your prayers.

TRIP TO ITALY in 2007 – Anyone planning to join us on the Italy trip next summer should get their initial deposit and registration to Paul Gallagher by June 4^th.

LECTORS/USHERS: As some of our seniors get ready to graduate, we are looking for any teen who has been confirmed to help at the 6:00 p.m. Mass as a Lector or Usher. Training will be provided. If you are interested, please email Paul Gallagher.

We meet every 2^ndSunday and 4^th Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This ministry is open to all 7^th & 8^th graders.

FYI: The EDGE and Youth Alive WILL meet all summer, so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to get together with your friends.

Sun., June 11 – Summer Kick Off Celebration: This one you don’t want to miss. At this EDGE night, we will be congratulating and sending off our 8^th graders who will be moving on to Life Teen and welcoming in the new EDGErs that are joining us this year (that’s YOU 6^th graders!!!). There will be raffles and prizes, games and great food, fun, and all your friends are welcome. Food donations and parent volunteers are greatly appreciated. Please call Kate if you can help in any way –like grilling hot dogs, umpiring sports, set-up, clean-up and serving food. Join us for this night!

Fri., June 23 – White Water Rafting Day Trip: The EDGE is going rafting! Registration packets are available in the Youth Ministry Office at the Parish Center. Prices are discounted for the first people to register—so act fast! Call Kate for more details. Parents will be needed to help and provide transportation, so please consider spending the day with your middle schoolers and going rafting with us!

ATTENTION 7^th & 8^th GRADERS: What do you want to do this year with The EDGE? Please write down your ideas and give them to Kate. Remember—The EDGE is what you make of it, so bring your ideas and your friends to any and all EDGE nights. The EDGE welcomes everyone! The more friends you bring to The EDGE, the bigger and better we can make it.

Special thanks to all who support our middle school ministry with prayers and volunteering. We couldn’t do it without you!

We meet in the Cafeteria from 7-8:30 p.m. every 1^st and 3^rd Friday. Bring your friends and join the fun! Contact Kate for details.

Fri., June 2 – St. John Carnival – we will not have our regular Youth Alive this night. Please go to the Carnival with your friends and family. I will see you there!

Fri., June 16 – End of School Year Party – Bring all your friends to the Youth Alive night. We will send off our 6^th graders who will be moving on to The EDGE next year and welcoming in our new Youth Alivers (that’s YOU 4^th graders!!). Please don’t miss this Summer Kick Off!!!

ATTENTION 5^th and 6^th GRADERS: Please feel free to bring your friends to any Youth Alive nights. The more people we have, the more fun stuff we can do. We welcome everyone!

Activities in Our Parish

If you are in the 5^th grade or above and would like to join the choir, we rehearse Monday evenings in the church from 7-8 p.m. and sing twice a month at the 5 p.m. Saturday Liturgy. Call Jane Schmidt for details at 410-840-8616.

A Welcoming Session will be held at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. This is a great opportunity for new parishioners to meet our parish priests, to learn about our various programs, receive coupons for a free Knights of Columbus breakfast, and receive a warm welcome into this large and faith-filled parish. Call Fr. Leo for more info.

Last chance for 50% off tickets and ride bracelets! Available at The Portico Bookstore until Sunday, May 28. Don’t miss out! We still need volunteers at food and game booths, call Tina Leimbach at 410-848-7271. See you at the carnival!

Couples needing to complete marriage preparation may attend the June Pre-Cana sessions at St. John in The Portico. For more details or registration, contact Rosalie Seeley at 410-848-2884.

From 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., in The Portico. The KofC Council 1393 will hold their parish breakfast. Bring your family and join us for a great breakfast of french toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage and more!

If you are a member of an ecclesiastical movement or community (e.g., Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal, Focolare, Legion of Mary, 3^rd Order Carmelites, Dominicans, Franciscans), or are interested in lay movements, come meet members of other movements in our parish at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. For information contact Dennis or Rebecca Cali at 410-848-3324 or Fr. Leo at the Parish Center.

Training sessions for new and current altar servers will begin on Tuesday, June 6^th and June 7^th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, June 10 from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Church. Sign up and renewal information sheets are available at the Parish Center. All new servers are required to attend two days of training sessions. Current servers who wish to continue to serve must also complete the form and attend only one day of training. Contact Fr. Leo if you have any questions. 410-848-4744 x241.

Fr. Joe returns to The Portico to discuss this month’s topic, ‘Forgiveness. How can we live with it. How can we live without it. How can we use it.” Doors open 6:30 p.m. for book signings and refreshments. Lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at The Portico Book Store, the parish office or call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x 227.

Thank You for praying for me. I’m bigger and stronger. I’m about 6 inches long and I weigh 4-6 ounces. When mommy goes to the doctor, she can listen to my heart! I hope to be able to run and play in God’s world.”

The Developing Baby: Well, your little baby now weighs six oz. He has fingernails and eyelashes. He has his own unique fingerprints, which will remain the same until he dies. His taste buds are working. His sense of hearing is developing and present at 14 weeks. There are no major developments anymore. Your spiritually adopted baby is already well-formed, internally and externally. All he needs now is time to gain weight and grow strong. What a miracle he is!

BLESSINGS CLOSET: During May, St. Vincent de Paul is asking your help in supporting the Shepherd’s Staff Blessings Closet. Please place the following items in the baskets at the doors of the church: Bath tissue, shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, napkins, tissues, all-purpose cleaners, trash bags, feminine supplies, baby care items, light bulbs and liquid food supplements. Items to go to needy families in the area.

Timber Ridge/Ridge Residence is holding and open house and ice cream social at the Community Center, 101 Timber Ridge (off Stoner Avenue) from 2-4 p.m. (rain or shine) Bring a chair and your appetite and enjoy the Westminister Municipal Band.

Behind The Scenes Committees- meeting at 7 p.m. Wanted- Set Construction, Tech, Advertising, Costume, Program & Ticket Sales, Props, Clerical/Office. Many needed, all are welcome. Call for directions- Jeanne Link (443-324-8487) JLLMickey@aol.com or Kelly Hollenbaugh (410-917-0450)

If you are considering adoption, Catholic Charities of Baltimore has both domestic and international adoption programs. The next informational meeting to explain the various options and discuss our programs will be held on Saturday, June 10 from 8:45 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 410-659-4050 or visit our website at cc-md.org/adoptions/adoptions.html.

TRAVELERS LOOKING for MASS TIMES: To look for Mass times and church locations in the USA, call 1-410-676-6000 or go to www.MassTimes.org

The National Association of Catholic Homes and Educators will hold an expo at the Baltimore Convention Center. This is an opportunity for people to learn more about the Catholic Church and what they can do to strengthen themselves, their friends and families in faith. More than 50 speakers and 100 exhibitors will be on hand. Visit www.nache,org for more information.

GROTTO AT LOURDES EVENTS: The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg has a full calendar of events for the coming months. For information call 301-447-5318 or email grotto@msmary.edu.

BULLETIN DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting notices is 12:00 noon on each Monday prior to the weekend of distribution. Please send articles via email to bulletin@sjwest.org or you may fax articles to 410-857-1519.

APPROPRIATE ATTIRE at MASS: During the warm summer months, shorts, tank-tops, bare-midriff tops or other revealing articles of clothing, and beach-style attire are not appropriate dress for celebrations of the Liturgy. Please observe these guidelines out of respect or the Lord’s presence and out of consideration for fellow worshipers.

SUNDAY NURSERY for 1-5 year olds will be held in Classroom 2A of the school during the 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. For information, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

HOLY COMMUNION will be brought to you during Mass, if you are unable to come to the altar. Please inform an usher.

TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ILL REMEMBERED during the Prayer of the Faithful at Masses, please call the parish office.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: New inventory arriving weekly. All Holy Bears on SALE!

Monday, May 29

Wednesday, May 31

Thursday, June 1

9:30 a.m. Matthew Snyder

Friday, June 2

Saturday, June 3

From the Pastor

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION … Saturday, June 3

LENT MAY BE OVER…but the LENTEN APPEAL is NOT!!

Activities in Our Parish